October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Breast Cancer is the second most common kind of cancer in women. 1 in 8 women born today in the United States will get breast cancer at some point.

How can National Breast Cancer Awareness Month make a difference?
Many women can survive breast cancer if it’s found and treated early. A mammogram – the screening test for breast cancer – can help find breast cancer early when it’s easier to treat.

National Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a chance to raise awareness about the importance of early detection of breast cancer. Make a difference! Spread the word about mammograms and encourage communities, organizations, families, and individuals to get involved.

Use this opportunity to spread the word about steps women can take to detect breast cancer early.

Some ideas…

• Ask doctors and nurses to speak to women about the importance of getting screened for breast cancer.

• Encourage women ages 40 to 49 to talk with their doctors about when to start getting mammograms.

• Organize an event to talk with women ages 50 to 74 in your community about getting mammograms every 2 years.

WHAT CAN YOU DO TO TAKE CARE OF YOU:

If you are a woman age 40 to 49, talk with your doctor about when to start getting mammograms and how often to get them.

If you are a woman age 50 to 74, be sure to get a mammogram every 2 years.

You may also choose to get them more often.

Talk to a doctor about your risk for breast cancer, especially if a close family member of yours has had breast or ovarian cancer. Your doctor can help you decide when and how often to get mammograms.